A friend of the couple said: "Richie and Lesley are really happy together and they make a lovely couple.

"It was only a matter of time before they got engaged and everyone is made up now that they have."

It is thought Dublin-born Richie, 23, got down on one knee before presenting Lesley with a diamond ring.

A source close to the Owens added: "Richie is a wonderful lad and everyone gets on with him really well.

"He is the kind of lad that any mother or father would be proud to call their son.

"It is fantastic news and everyone in the family is delighted."

Partridge is currently out of the Liverpool first team squad after suffering a serious knee ligament injury.

He is hoping an operation by renowned American surgeon Dr Richard Steadman will put him on the road to recovery.

No date has been set for the couple to get married and it is believed they are looking forward to a long engagement.

Lesley, 20, follows hot in the footsteps of brother Michael who got engaged to his long-term girlfriend Louise Bonsall just weeks ago.

The news comes as a boost to the Owen family who have been at the centre of a storm of rumours since a builder involved in a legal battle with England star Michael is believed to have committed suicide.